Sanbis Resort

Ariel view of Sanbis Resort

Sanbis Resort is one of the premium resorts in the Solomon Islands. Situated on an Island off Gizo in the Western Province. You can get there by either plane or ship, just head down to Gizo and the Resort provides a shuttle boat that leaves Gizo 11am everyday and drop offs at 4pm for those non in house guests. Otherwise you can arrange a pick up from either Gizo or the airport for a small fee.

I was fortunate to visited the Island twice, once as a day visitor and the second time I spent 3 nights there. To fully enjoy the facilities and the place I think its best to spend at least one night there. The first time I went there as a day tourist I was disappointed. Later on my second visit I figured out why I was disappointed the first time I went there.

The day before I went to Fatboys, I was overwhelmed with the size of the bar and restaurant built out into the sea. The space was enormous so even though there are other people around you don't feel their presence. Its big enough to play table tennis, the staff was friendly and the walk to the shore was impressive. The day after I went to Sanbis resort, and as you can imagine, the bar out front was almost one third the size of Fatboys. The board walk was smaller but prettier with the coconuts aligned, the bungalows were much more classier. But as I was saying I was just a day tourist so I only have access to the bar area, I didn't snorkel or do anything else apart from drinking a beer and eating pizza. Which mind you, they have the best pizza in all of Solomon Islands. Traditional oven baked and fresh basil? Where did they get that from, I wondered if they plant their own.

In October my inlaws flew all the way from Geneva, Switzerland to visit me and my Husband and discover  Solomon Islands. The day after they arrived I sent them along with my husband to Maravaghi via boat. They love the snorkeling and commented that the area was so close to paradise. The staff was really nice but the food and the lodgings really need some work. Their boat ride back was a nightmare, it was a clear day, no rain but they were wet. Apparently the boat was a bit too small for the crossing and except for the two sitting upfront half the passengers were soaked.

The next day we board the plane to Gizo. As usual Solomon Airlines was pathetic, the Dash 8 was grounded, we spent the next hour wondering if we are still flying. The staff didn't bother to keep the stranded passengers up to date with whats going on. Instead they were more pissed at us for asking them to up date us on the flight status.

Because of all the things that went wrong that morning, I wasn't expecting the Sanbis crew to be there at the Gizo airport waiting for us. But they were there, you cant imagine how shocked and grateful I was. The Boat was perfectly carpeted, you get to feel like you are inside of a car but you can stand and move around. When we arrived we received welcome drinks then we were taken to our bungalows. Everything was perfect, the staff made sure that all our needs were met. Then the most surprising thing was when my husband asked where the owner was. They told us he left for Switzerland. Normally in Solomon Islands when the boss is out of town, you expect half the staff to be lounging at their respective homes. Showing up for only 2 hours a day etc etc. But the rest of our stay everything was perfect, the staff were friendly, organised and always there to help us.

There are so many things to do in Sanbis Resort. The snorkeling is one of the best Ive done. The food was delicious, cant compare it to any restaurant here in Honiara.

Sanbis resort is the pride of the western province, a premium resort with state of the art facilities. I watched the world rugby finals from the resort on this huge plasma screen. So yeah you get Internet connection and you can travel to Gizo town when you feel like socializing. 

The bungalows are spacious with toilet and shower, a private balcony and a little yard with hammocks. My impression of the bungalows is that, the owner thinks of absolutely everything. The beds are nice and comfortable. Then theres this new addition, the lodge. Ideal for couple with kids or young friends travelling together. The lodge has its own private jetty and its situated on the tip of the Island that way you enjoy maximum privacy there. Real nice.

For more information their email ID : relax@sanbisresort.com